Closure For a Container

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to a closure for sealing an opening of a container. In particular, the present invention relates to a closure ( 10 ) for sealing a mouth of a container, such as a bottle. According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a closure for sealing an opening defined by a mouth of a container, the closure comprising a body ( 12 ) adapted to overlie the mouth; and a discontinuous skirt ( 14 ) extending from the body, wherein the skirt is deformable between an open position and a closed position. The present invention also provides methods for applying the closure to a container.

This invention relates to a closure for sealing an opening of acontainer. In particular, the present invention relates to a closure forsealing a mouth of a container, such as a bottle. The present inventionalso provides methods for applying the closure to a container.

BACKGROUND

The crown closure has been in existence since 1892 and is still theclosure of choice for use on glass bottles, owing to its simplicity andeffectiveness.

The crown closure, however, is not ideally suited to modern lightweightplastic or aluminium bottles because the bottle must be manufactured tothe similar dimensions, in terms of thickness or strength, as a glassbottle to allow it to withstand the pressures and forces associated withthe application of the closure, which is forced down and crimped aroundthe top lip of the bottle. The standard screw closure has two main shortcomings in that the bottle must provide a tall and relatively heavy, interms of material usage, thread form for retention of the closure, whichreduces the opportunities to remove material, and hence weight, from thebottle. Particularly in the case of beer, the air volume entrapped in ascrew closure, with its longer skirt length relative to a crown closure,has a detrimental effect on the keeping quality of the beer, because itis preferable to keep the levels of oxygen in contact with the productto a minimum.

Containers for fluids, in particular liquids, are commonly manufacturedfrom aluminium, or a thermoplastic polymer resin such as polyethyleneterephthalate [poly(ethylene terephthalate) or PET]. PET is often chosenin the manufacture of liquid containers, for its lightweightcharacteristic, high degree of impact resistance, and tensile strength.PET containers, especially bottles for liquids, are formed using twobasic moulding methods, one-step or two-step.

In the two-step method, a first machine injection moulds a preformhaving a neck and a body. The neck of the preform has threads forapplying a threaded screw cap, which threads are moulded into place insitu. The body of the preform is significantly thicker, because it isinflated into its final shape in the second step. In this step, the bodyof the preform is rapidly heated to high temperature, typically 95-115°C., and then stretched in the axial direction and inflated against atwo-part mould to form the final shape of the bottle.

In the one-step method, the entire process from raw material to finishedcontainer is conducted within one machine, making it especially suitablefor moulding non-standard shapes (custom moulding).

Bottles formed by either moulding method find utility in the foodindustry as containers for liquids such as carbonated drinks. Thethreads provided at the neck of the preform can, however, comprise asubstantial weight, typically approximately 8-10% of the overall weightof the bottle.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide aclosure, which circumvents at least some of the shortcomings associatedwith the state of the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided aclosure for sealing an opening defined by a mouth of a container, theclosure comprising a body adapted to overlie the mouth; and adiscontinuous skirt extending from the body, wherein the skirt isdeformable between an open position and a closed position.

By the term “discontinuous” is meant having at least one point ofdiscontinuity, and is intended to include at least one break, gap,opening, similar circumferential interruption, or a combination thereof,to the skirt.

Preferably, the body has a first face and a second face. Preferably, inuse, the first face is a container-engagable face. Further preferably,in use, the second face is an exterior face.

Preferably, the body is substantially discoid.

Preferably, in the open position, a free end of the skirt defines acircumference greater than the outer circumference of the mouth of thecontainer.

Preferably, in the closed position, a free end of the skirt defines acircumference substantially equal to the outer circumference of themouth of the container.

Preferably, the skirt comprises a plurality of arms, extending from thebody.

Optionally, the skirt comprises a plurality of spaced apart arms,extending from the body.

Preferably, each arm has a first face and a second face. Preferably, inuse, the first face is a container-engagable face. Further preferably,in use, the second face is an exterior face.

Preferably, a point of discontinuity is defined between adjacent arms.

Optionally, in the open position, the plurality of arms extendssubstantially radially from the body.

Optionally, in the closed position, some or all of the plurality of armsare oriented such that the container-engagable face of some or all ofthe arms is located, in use, adjacent the mouth of the container.Further optionally, in the closed position, some or all of the pluralityof arms are oriented such that the container-engagable face of some orall of the arms is located, in use, in side-by-side relationship withthe mouth of the container.

Optionally, each arm is hingedly mounted to the body.

Optionally, each arm is mounted to the body by a live hinge. By “livehinge” is meant a joint, located at the interface of two bodies, andpermitting relative pivotable movement of the bodies about thegeometrical axis of the joint, wherein the joint is integral to one, orboth, of the bodies.

Optionally, the live hinge comprises a line of weakness.

Preferably, at least one arm further comprises a retaining element.

Preferably, the retaining element is located at the container-engagableface of the at least one arm.

Preferably, the retaining element extends substantially inward withrespect to the longitudinal axis of the arm.

Preferably, the retaining element extends substantially perpendicularfrom the exterior face of the arm. Preferably, in use, the retainingelement is oriented toward the mouth of the container.

Optionally, at least some of the arms are adapted to be secured to eachadjacent arm. Preferably, each arm is adapted to be secured to eachadjacent arm.

Optionally or alternatively, the closure further comprises means forsecuring each arm to an adjacent arm. Optionally, the securing meanscomprises a connection member adapted to form a connection between atleast some of the arms, in the closed position. Further optionally, thesecuring means comprises an annular member, adapted to at leastpartially circumscribe some or all of the arms, in the closed position.

Preferably, in the closed position, the at least part of each arm canform at least a partial connection with the at least part of an adjacentarm.

Optionally, in the closed position, a connection is formed between anarm and at least one adjacent arm. Further optionally, the connection isformed between some or each of the arms. Preferably, the connection ismade between each arm.

Optionally, in the closed position, the connections between adjacentarms together form a ring. Preferably, the ring is a continuous ring.Optionally, in the in-use, closed position, the ring at least partiallycircumscribes the mouth of the container.

Optionally, the closure further comprises a plurality of fingers.

Preferably, each finger has a first face and a second face. Preferably,in use, the first face is a container-engagable face. Furtherpreferably, in use, the second face is an exterior face.

Optionally, the plurality of fingers extends from the body. Preferably,the plurality of fingers extends from the container-engagable face ofthe body. Further optionally, the plurality of fingers extendssubstantially perpendicular from the container-engagable face of thebody.

Optionally, the plurality of fingers is interspersed with the pluralityof arms.

Optionally, some or all of the plurality of fingers are oriented suchthat the container-engagable face of some or all of the fingers islocated, in use, adjacent an outer surface of the mouth of thecontainer. Further optionally, some or all of the plurality of fingersare oriented such that the container-engagable face of some or all ofthe fingers is located, in use, in side-by-side relationship with anouter surface of the mouth of the container.

Alternatively, some or all of the plurality of fingers are oriented suchthat the exterior face of some or all of the fingers is located, in use,adjacent an inner surface of the mouth of the container. Optionally,some or all of the plurality of fingers are oriented such that theexterior face of some or all of the fingers is located, in use, inside-by-side relationship with an inner surface of the mouth of thecontainer.

Optionally, at least one finger further comprises a retaining element.

Preferably, the retaining element is located at the container-engagableface of the at least one finger.

Preferably, the retaining element extends substantially inward withrespect to the longitudinal axis of the finger.

Preferably, in use, the retaining element is oriented toward the mouthof the container.

Optionally, the at least part of the exterior face of each finger isadapted to receive at least part of the container-engagable face of anadjacent arm, in the closed position.

Optionally, the exterior face of each finger comprises at least onerecess, shaped and dimensioned to receive at least part of thecontainer-engagable face of an adjacent arm. Preferably, the exteriorface of each finger comprises two recesses, each shaped and dimensionedto receive at least part of a container-engagable face of a respectiveadjacent arm.

Optionally, the closure comprises an inner section and an outer section.

Optionally, the outer section comprises a first body and a discontinuousskirt, optionally comprising a plurality of arms.

Optionally, the inner section comprises a second body and a plurality offingers.

Preferably, each finger of the second body has a first face and a secondface. Preferably, in use, the first face is a container-engagable face.Further preferably, in use, the second face is an exterior face.

Optionally, the plurality of fingers extends from the second body.Preferably, the plurality of fingers extends from thecontainer-engagable face of the second body. Further optionally, theplurality of fingers extends substantially perpendicular from thecontainer-engagable face of the second body.

Optionally, some or all of the plurality of fingers are oriented suchthat the container-engagable face of some or all of the fingers islocated, in use, adjacent an outer surface of the mouth of thecontainer. Further optionally, some or all of the plurality of fingersare oriented such that the container-engagable face of some or all ofthe fingers is located, in use, in side-by-side relationship with anouter surface of the mouth of the container.

Alternatively, some or all of the plurality of fingers are oriented suchthat the exterior face of some or all of the fingers is located, in use,adjacent an inner surface of the mouth of the container. Optionally,some or all of the plurality fingers are oriented such that the exteriorface of some or all of the fingers is located, in use, in side-by-siderelationship with an inner surface of the mouth of the container.

Optionally, at least one finger of the inner section, or at least onearm of the outer section, further comprises a retaining element.

Preferably, the retaining element is located at the container-engagableface of the at least one finger of the inner section, or the at leastone arm of the outer section.

Preferably, the retaining element extends substantially inward withrespect to the longitudinal axis of the at least one finger of the innersection, or the at least one arm of the outer section.

Preferably, in use, the retaining element is oriented toward the mouthof the container.

Preferably, the outer section is adapted to receive the inner section.

Optionally, the outer section is secured to the inner section. The outersection may be mechanically secured to the inner section, such as aninterference fit arrangement. Further optionally, the outer section maybe adhered to the inner section. Adhesion of the outer section to theinner section may be achieved using welding techniques, adhesives, orany other suitable technique envisaged by the skilled person.

Optionally, the closure is formed from a deformable material. Furtheroptionally, the closure is formed from a thermally deformable material.Still further optionally, the closure is formed from a thermallydeformable material, such as plastic or metal.

Optionally, the closure is formed from a thermally deformable material,such as plastic. Preferably, the material is a thermoplastic material.Optionally, the thermoplastic material is a crystalline thermoplasticmaterial. The thermoplastic material may be selected from the groupcomprising, but not limited to, acetal, polyethylene terephthalate(PET), nylon, topas, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS),polycarbonate, and polyolefins (POE).

Alternatively, the closure is formed from a thermally deformablematerial, such as metal. Optionally, the metal is a metal alloy. Themetal or metal alloy may be selected from the group comprising, but notlimited to, aluminium and copper.

Optionally, at least part of each arm is thermally deformable. Furtherpreferably, an at least terminal end of each arm is thermallydeformable. The at least terminal end of each arm may be formed from athermally deformable material.

Optionally or additionally, at least part of each finger is thermallydeformable. Further preferably, an at least terminal end of each fingeris thermally deformable. The at least terminal end of each finger may beformed from a thermally deformable material.

By “thermally deformable” is meant capable of transforming state inresponse to a change in internal energy. Preferably, an increase ininternal energy results in a transition from a solid state to a liquidstate, referred to herein as “melting”. Optionally, a decrease ininternal energy results in a transition from a liquid state to a solidstate, referred to herein as “solidifying”. It is understood that thechange in state does not necessarily have to be from solid to liquid butalso encompasses semi-solid phases.

Optionally, the closure is formed from a bondable material.

Optionally, at least part of each arm is bondable. Further preferably,an at least terminal end of each arm is bondable. The at least terminalend of each arm may be formed from a bondable material.

Optionally or additionally, at least part of each finger is bondable.Further preferably, an at least terminal end of each finger is bondable.The at least terminal end of each finger may be formed from a bondablematerial.

By “bondable” material is meant a material capable of forming a bond(coalescing). Optionally, the bond extends between two bodies to bebonded. The bodies may be formed from the same, or from different,materials. The bodies may be formed from the same, or from different,bondable materials. Preferably, the bodies are formed from the samebondable material.

Optionally, the bond extends between two bodies, such that a union(fusion) of at least part of one or each of the bodies is formed(coalescence). Once bonded, the two bodies optionally together form anintegrated body. It is understood that the bond may extend at least partof the interface between two bodies or the bond may extend the entiretyof the interface between two bodies.

Optionally, the bond is formed at the microscopic level. Furtheroptionally, the bond is formed at the atomic level. It is understoodthat the bondable material may not transform state in response to achange in internal energy, but that the bond may result from atomicdiffusion, whereby atoms from the bondable material diffuse to form anatomic bond between two bodies.

Optionally, at least part of each arm or finger can form at least apartial connection, such as a bond, with at least part of an adjacentarm or finger.

Optionally, the closure is formed from a bondable material, such asmetal. Optionally, the metal is a metal alloy. The metal or metal alloymay be selected from the group comprising, but not limited to, aluminiumand copper.

Optionally, when the closure comprises an inner section and an outersection, the inner section and the outer section may be formed from thesame or from different materials. Preferably, the inner section and theouter section are each formed from the same material.

Optionally, the inner section and the outer section are each formed froma deformable material, optionally a thermally deformable material, suchas plastic or metal. Alternatively, the inner section and the outersection are each formed from a bondable material, such as metal.

Optionally or additionally, at least some or all of the arms or fingersof the skirt are adapted to facilitate increasing the internal energy.Preferably, at least some or all of the arms or fingers of the skirt areshaped and dimensioned to facilitate increasing the internal energy.Further preferably, at least part of at least some or all of the arms orfingers of the skirt are shaped and dimensioned to facilitate increasingthe internal energy.

Preferably, the terminal edge of at least some or all of the arms orfingers of the skirt are shaped and dimensioned to facilitate increasingthe internal energy. Preferably, the terminal edge extends laterally toform a point or edge.

Optionally or additionally, the closure further comprises means forreducing the passage of fluid, once applied to a container.

Preferably, the reducing means comprises a fluid impermeable membrane.Preferably, the membrane is formed from a metal. Preferably, the metalis aluminium. Alternatively the metal is steel or tin-free steel (TFS).

Optionally, the closure is adapted to at least partially receive adevice such as a widget to manage the characteristics of the foamproduced by bubbles of gas released from a carbonated liquid. Furtheroptionally, the inner section of the closure is adapted to at leastpartially receive a device such as a widget to manage thecharacteristics of the foam produced by bubbles of gas released from acarbonated liquid.

Optionally, or alternatively, the body of the closure further comprisesa neck.

Preferably, the neck extends from the body. Further preferably, the neckextends from the exterior face of the body. Still further preferably,the neck extends substantially perpendicular from the exterior face ofthe body.

Preferably, the neck is adapted to allow passage of a fluidtherethrough. Further preferably, the neck is substantially cylindricalin form having open ends. Additionally, the body is adapted to allowpassage of a fluid therethrough. Preferably, the body comprises anaperture to allow passage of a fluid therethrough.

Optionally, or additionally, the neck further comprises a screw thread.Preferably, the screw thread is located on the outer curved surface ofthe neck.

Alternatively, the closure further comprises a stopper or plug.

Preferably, the stopper or plug extends from the body. Furtherpreferably, the stopper or plug extends from the container-engagableface of the body. Still further preferably, the stopper or plug extendssubstantially perpendicular from the container-engagable face of thebody.

Optionally, the stopper or plug is arranged to reversibly form a sealwith the opening of the container. Optionally, the stopper or plug isshaped and dimensioned to form an interference fit with the opening ofthe container.

Optionally or alternatively, the closure further comprises means fordispensing liquid or allowing the passage of liquid therethrough.

Optionally, the dispensing means is adapted to be operable between aclosed position and an open position.

Optionally, the dispensing means comprises a spout.

Optionally, the dispensing means comprises a spout adapted to beoperable between a closed position and an open position. Furtheroptionally, the dispensing means comprises a spout, which is hingedlymountable to the closure.

Optionally, the spout is substantially cylindrical and adapted to behingedly mountable to the closure. Further optionally, the spout issubstantially cylindrical having open ends and adapted to be hingedlymountable to the closure.

Optionally, the dispensing means comprises a spout, which is hingedlymountable to the closure by a ball-and-socket assembly.

Optionally, the spout is integral to the ball.

Optionally, the socket is integral to the closure.

Optionally, the socket further comprises means for receiving at leastpart of the spout to impede the passage of liquid through the spout.Optionally, the receiving means comprises at least one channel, which isshaped and dimensioned to reversibly receive at least part of the spout.Optionally, the or each channel is shaped and dimensioned to, in theclosed position, to form an interference fit with at least one of theopen ends of the spout.

Optionally, the spout is hingedly operable between a closed position andan open position. It is understood that, in the closed position, thespout is arranged to impede the passage of liquid therethrough, and inthe open position, the spout is arranged to allow the passage of liquidtherethrough.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provideda method of sealing an opening defined by a mouth of a container using aclosure according to the first aspect of the present invention; themethod comprising the steps of: applying the closure to the mouth of thecontainer, and deforming the discontinuous skirt from the open positionto the closed position.

Optionally, the deforming step comprises increasing the internal energyof at least part of the closure. Further optionally, applying energy tothe closure increases the internal energy. Still further optionally, theinternal energy is increased by applying energy to the skirt. The energymay be applied from an external energy source.

Optionally, the amount of externally applied energy is sufficient tothermally deform at least part of the closure. Further optionally, theamount of external applied energy is sufficient to increase thetemperature of the at least part of the closure to the meltingtemperature of the material from which the at least part of the closureis formed. Still further optionally, the amount of external appliedenergy is sufficient to melt the at least part of the closure. The typeand amount of externally applied energy is dependent on the physicalproperties of the material from which the closure is formed, and mayeach be independently selected by one skilled in the art.

Optionally, the amount of externally applied energy is sufficient toform a bond between at least two parts of the closure. Furtheroptionally, the amount of external applied energy is sufficient suchthat the bond may result from atomic diffusion, whereby atoms from theat least two parts of the closure diffuse to form an atomic bond betweenthe at least two parts of the closure. The type and amount of externallyapplied energy is dependent on the physical properties of the materialfrom which the closure is formed, and may each be independently selectedby one skilled in the art.

Optionally, the method further comprises the step of increasing theinternal energy of at least part of the skirt. Further optionally, themethod further comprises the step of increasing the internal energy ofat least part of the arms of the skirt.

Preferably, the at least part of the arms of the skirt are melted.Further preferably, the at least part of the arms is melted to form atleast a partial connection with an adjacent arm.

Alternatively, a bond is formed between the at least part of the arms ofthe skirt. Preferably, at least a partial bond is formed between the atleast part of an arm and an adjacent arm.

Optionally or additionally, at least part of the fingers of the closureare melted. Further optionally or additionally, the at least part of thearms is melted to form at least a partial connection with an adjacentfinger, or an adjacent arm of the skirt.

Optionally or additionally, a bond is formed between at least part ofthe fingers of the closure. Further optionally or additionally, at leasta partial bond is formed between the at least part of an arm and anadjacent finger, or an adjacent arm of the skirt.

Optionally or additionally, the method further comprises the step ofdecreasing the internal energy of at least part of the closure.Preferably, the at least partial connection formed between adjacent armsor fingers is solidified to form a continuous ring.

When the closure is formed from a thermoplastic material such as acetal,polyethylene terephthalate (PET), nylon, topas, acrylonitrile butadienestyrene (ABS), polycarbonate or polyolefins (POE); the externallyapplied energy may be in the form of thermal energy. Optionally, theamount of thermal energy applied to the closure is sufficient to causethe closure to have a temperature in the range of about 160° C. to about250° C.

Optionally, the external energy applied is in the form of a laser.

Preferably, the externally applied energy is in the form of ultrasonic,or vibrational, energy. Optionally, the energy is a form of thermalenergy. The ultrasonic, or vibrational, energy can be applied using atool such as a sonotrode, which can be reversibly positioned over theclosure. It is envisaged that a bore of the sonotrode is sized anddimensioned to ensure contact between the sonotrode and the part, orparts, of the closure to be thermally deformed.

Optionally or additionally, the bore of the sonotrode is arranged toapply pressure radially inwards on the closure to ensure the desiredshape is obtained and retained, once the sonotrode has been removed.

Alternatively, the bore of the sonotrode is arranged to apply pressureat a point on or at the closure.

Optionally, the ultrasonic, or vibrational, energy may be applied in anaxial vibration or via a torsional vibration. The amplitude of thevibration is envisaged to be about 125 μm peak to peak, at a frequencyof 20 kHz. It is understood that the sonotrode will be connected to asuitable amplifier and generator, in operation.

Optionally, the energy may be in the form of induction, orelectromagnetic, energy. Optionally, the induction, or electromagnetic,energy is applied using an electrical discharge transformer such as aninduction coil. It is understood that the induction coil will beconnected to a suitable generator, in operation.

The induction coil may surround each closure individually, oralternatively, the energy may be applied in a linear nature tosimultaneously span several closures applied to a plurality ofcontainers to which the closures are applied. Optionally, the inductioncoil is arranged to apply energy at a point on or at the closure.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided amethod of removing a closure according to the first aspect of thepresent invention applied to an opening defined by a mouth of acontainer, the method comprising the steps of introducing a point ofdiscontinuity to the skirt.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is providedan assembly system for sealing an opening defined by a mouth of acontainer using a closure according to the first aspect of the presentinvention; the assembly system comprising means for applying a closureto the mouth of the container, and means for deforming the discontinuousskirt from the open position to the closed position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Six embodiments of the present invention will now be described, withreference to the accompanying drawings, wherein similar numbering hasbeen used to denote like features, and in which:

FIG. 1 a is a perspective view of a closure according to a firstembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1 b is a side elevation of the closure of FIG. 1 a;

FIG. 2 a is an underside plan view of the closure of FIG. 1 a;

FIG. 2 b is a sectional side elevation through the line A-A of FIG. 2 a;

FIG. 3 a is an exploded perspective view of a closure according to asecond embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 b is an exploded side elevation of the closure of FIG. 3 a;

FIG. 3 c is a sectional side elevation of a closure according to a thirdembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates the steps of providing a closure according to thepresent invention (4 a), applying the closure to the mouth of thecontainer (4 b), and deforming the skirt from the open position theclosed position (4 c);

FIG. 5 is a sectional side elevation of a closure according to a fourthembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a side elevation of a closure according to a fifth embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective (7 a) and sectional (7 b) view of a closureaccording to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a side (8 a), plan (8 b), and end (8 c) view of an assemblysystem for sealing an opening defined by a mouth of a container using aclosure according to the first aspect of the present invention; and

FIG. 9 is a side view of a sonotrode for sealing an opening defined by amouth of a container using a closure according to the first aspect ofthe present invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to FIGS. 1 a and 1 b, there is shown a closure 10according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The closurecomprises a body 12 and a skirt 14. The body 12 is generally discoid andplanar in shape. The skirt 14 is generally annular having a fixed edge13, which is fixed to the circumferential edge of the body 12; and afree circumferential edge 13′.

FIG. 2 a is a plan view of an underside of a closure 10 according to afirst embodiment of the present invention. The skirt 14 comprises aplurality of spaced apart arms 16, and a plurality of fingers 18. Theplurality of arms 16 is tandemly interspersed with the plurality offingers 18.

Each of the arms 16 is hingedly attached to the body 12, at a fixed edge13 of the skirt, thereby facilitating operable displacement of each ofthe arms 16 between an open position and a closed position. In the openposition, the circumferential edge 13′ of each arm 16 defines acircumference greater than the outer circumference of a mouth of acontainer to be sealed (not shown).

Each of the fingers 18 is substantially fixed to the body 12, at a fixededge 13, and extends substantially perpendicular from the plane of thecontainer-engagable face body 12. In the open position, the fixed edge13 of each finger 18 defines a circumference generally equal to theouter circumference of a mouth of a container to be sealed (not shown),such that when the closure 10 is applied to the mouth of a container(not shown), the container-engagable face of each finger 18 issubstantially adjacent the mouth of the container.

In the closed position, the circumferential edge 13′ of each arm 16 islocated substantially adjacent to a respective finger 18.

Referring to FIG. 2 b, a generally tetrahedral retaining element 20 isprovided adjacent the circumferential edge 13′ of each arm 16. Eachretaining element 20 projects substantially perpendicular from the planeof the exterior face of the arm 16, and is generally inwardly orientedwith respect to the body 12.

FIG. 4 a illustrates the application of a closure 10 to a container suchas a bottle 28. Prior to application, the arms 16 are in the openposition. The closure 10 is applied to the bottle 28 such that thecontainer-engagable face of the body 12 overlies the opening defined bythe mouth 30 of the bottle 28. Each of the fingers 18 locates adjacentto, and circumscribes, the mouth 30 of the bottle 28, temporarilyretaining the closure 10 at the mouth 30 of the bottle 28, FIG. 4 b.

Referring to FIG. 4 c, once the closure 10 is applied, each of the arms16 is deformed to the closed position, whereby each arm 16 locatesadjacent a finger 18. The retaining elements 20 can locate adjacent amouth 30 of the bottle 28, such that the mouth 30 acts as a stop toinhibit removal of the closure 10 from the bottle 28.

To seal the opening defined by the mouth 30 of the bottle 28, the arms16 are deformed such that it forms a continuous connection with anadjacent finger 18. It is envisaged that the circumferential edge 13′ ofeach arm 16 is deformed such that it forms a continuous connection,optionally or additionally, with an adjacent arm 16 or an adjacentfinger 18. A continuous ring is formed between the arms 16 and/or thefingers 18, which secures the closure 10 to the mouth 30 of the bottle28, thereby sealing the opening defined by the mouth 30.

Each arm 16 can be deformed by applying energy to the closure 10. Theenergy may be in the form of thermal energy, sufficient to causedeformation to the closure 10. Preferably, the energy is applied locallyto the skirt 14 of the closure 10, such that energy sufficient to form acontinuous connection between adjacent arms 16, and fingers, 18 of theskirt 14. The energy may be in the form of heat applied, for example, byan induction coil. Alternatively, the energy may be in the form ofultrasonic vibration applied, for example, by a sonotrode. The type ofenergy applied, and the method of application, is dependent on thematerial from which the closure 10 is formed, and may be selected by oneskilled in the art. It is envisaged that the closure 10 will be formedfrom a crystalline thermoplastic material, such as acetal, PET, nylon,topas, ABS, or polycarbonate.

Once sealed, the continuous ring formed between the arms 16 and/or thefingers 18 of the skirt 14 provides means for securely retaining theclosure 10 to the mouth of the container. Advantageously, thedeformation of each arm 16 results in a continuous connection with anadjacent arm 16 and/or an adjacent finger 18, provides a tight seal forsecuring the closure 10 to the mouth 30 of the container 28, regardlessof differences in shape or size of the mouth, or manufacturingdeficiencies such as chips or irregular structure.

To remove the closure 10 from an opening defined by a mouth 30 of acontainer 28 previously sealed by the above method, a break defining apoint of discontinuity is introduced in the continuous ring formedbetween the arms 16 and/or the fingers 18. Advantageously, the closure,in the closed position, is shaped and dimensioned to be partiallyreceived in a conventional bottle opener, such that the break can beintroduced to the continuous ring using conventional bottle openingmeans. The continuous ring thereby also acts as a tamper evident seal,which is advantageously not presently provided on such closures.Moreover, the continuous ring, once a break has been introduced, isremoved from the bottle along with the closure 10. With conventionaltamper evident seals, a portion of the seal is retained on thecontainer, and means for retaining the portion of the seal must beprovided by the container. The present invention circumvents therequirements for such means.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 a and 3 b, there is shown a closure 110according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The closure110 comprises a first section 22, and a second section 26.

The first section 22 comprises a body 112 and a skirt 114. The body 112is generally discoid and planar in shape. The skirt 114 is generallyannular having a fixed edge 113, which is fixed to the circumferentialedge of the body 112; and a free circumferential edge 113′. The skirt114 comprises a plurality of spaced apart arms 116, each of which arms16 is hingedly attached to the body 112, at a fixed edge 113, therebyfacilitating operable displacement of each of the arms 116 between anopen position and a closed position.

The second section 26 comprises a body 112 and a skirt 114. The body 112is generally discoid and planar in shape. The skirt 114 is generallyannular, and comprises a plurality of spaced apart fingers 118, each ofwhich fingers 118 extends substantially perpendicular from thecontainer-engaging face of the body 112.

The second section 26 is adapted to be received and retained within thefirst section 22, whereby the exterior face of the second section 26 islocated adjacent the container-engagable face of the first section 22,and such that the arms 116 of the first section 22 are tandemlyinterspersed with the fingers 118 of the second section 26.

The closure 110 according to the second embodiment of the presentinvention allows for ease of manufacture, as a one-section embodimentmay become difficult to manufacture owing to the size and complexity ofthe parts. A single production injection mould tool would have a largequantity of small, intricate, and delicate components that would beprone to breakage. By producing a two-section closure, separateproduction injection mould tools having simpler components can be usedto produce the separate sections of the closure, and when producedseparately each section will retain its own structural integrity.

Referring still to FIG. 3, it is envisaged that a fluid impermeablemembrane 24 is provided on the inner surface of the closure 110, whichonce the closure 110 is applied to a mouth of a container, the membrane24 forms a fluid-tight barrier. The membrane 24 may be located at thecontainer-engaging face of the closure 110, or alternatively, at thecontainer-engaging face of the first section 22. The membrane 24 ispreferably formed of aluminium, but may be selected by one skilled inthe art. A sealing material (not shown) may also be applied at thecontainer-engaging face of the closure 110 to assist in maintaining afluid tight seal with the container. Suitable materials includethermoplastic elastomers, or thermoplastic block copolymers, such asstyrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene (SEBS), orstyrene-ethylene/propylene-styrene (SEPS), are also envisaged in theapplication of the invention.

Referring to FIG. 3 c, there is shown, a closure 110 according to athird embodiment of the present invention. The inner section 26 isadapted to at least partially receive a device, such as a widget, tomanage the characteristics of the foam produced by bubbles of gasreleased from a carbonated liquid. In a preferred embodiment, the innersection 26 is shaped and dimensioned to at least partially house thedevice, such as a widget (not shown). It is envisaged that the innersection 26 is shaped and dimensioned such that the container-engagingface of the inner section 26 extends along the longitudinal axis of theopening defined by the mouth of the container (not shown), optionally,such that, in use, the device such as a widget is in contact with theliquid in the container.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a closure 210 according to afourth embodiment of the present invention. The closure 210 comprises abody 212 and a skirt 214. The skirt 214 is generally annular having afixed edge 213, which is fixed to the circumferential edge of the body212; and a free circumferential edge 213′.

The skirt 214 comprises a plurality of arms 216, tandemly interspersedwith a plurality of fingers 218. Each of the arms 216 is hingedlyattached to the body 212, at a fixed edge 213 of the skirt, therebyfacilitating operable displacement of each of the arms of the first set216 between an open position and a closed position.

Each of the fingers 218 is substantially fixed to the body 212, at afixed edge 213, and extends substantially perpendicular from thecontainer-engagable face of the body 212.

The body 212 of the closure 210 further comprises a neck 32. The neck 32is a generally hollow cylinder having first and second open ends. Theneck 32 extends generally perpendicular from, and is substantiallycoaxial with, the exterior face of the body 212. The terminal edge of afirst open end of the neck 32 is secured to the body 212 adjacent thefixed edge 213 of the skirt 214. The inner surface of the neck 38 iscontinuous with the skirt 214, and generally defines an aperture in thebody 212. A screw thread 34 is provided on the outer surface of the neck32 to facilitate the reversible application of a screw cap (not shown).

Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown a closure 310 according to afifth embodiment of the present invention. The closure 310 comprises abody 312 and a skirt 314. The body 312 is generally discoid and planarin shape. The skirt 314 is generally annular having a fixed edge 313,which is fixed to the circumferential edge of the body 312; and a freecircumferential edge 313′.

The closure 310 is adapted such that at least part of the skirt 314,together with the body 312, forms a stopper 36. The stopper 36 is shapedand dimensioned such that the container-engagable face of the closure310 can, in use, form an interference fit with the inner surface of themouth of a container (not shown).

The skirt 314 comprises a plurality of spaced apart arms 316, locatedadjacent the free circumferential edge 313′ of the skirt 314. Each ofthe arms 316 is hingedly attached to the body 312, at a fixed edge 313of the skirt, thereby facilitating operable displacement of each of thearms 316 between an open position and a closed position.

In the open position, the arms 316 are coterminous with respect to theskirt 314, such that the terminal circumferential edge 313′ is orientedfacing substantially away from the body 312. In the closed position, thearms 316 are oriented to be substantially parallel to the skirt 314,each arm 316 facing substantially toward the body 312. It is understoodthat, in use, the stopper 36, formed from the body 312 and at least partof the skirt 314, is applied to the inner surface of a mouth of acontainer; wherein the arms 316 extend beyond the terminal edge of themouth of the container. To seal the opening defined by the mouth of thecontainer, the arms 316 are displaced from the open position to theclosed position, such that the each arm 316 locates substantiallyside-by-side an adjacent arm 316, and adjacent the outer surface of themouth of the container. Each arm 316 can be deformed by applying energyto the closure 310, as previously described.

Referring to FIG. 7 a, there is shown a closure 410 according to a sixthembodiment of the present invention. The closure 410 comprises a body412 and a skirt 414. The body 412 is generally discoid and planar inshape. The skirt 414 is generally annular having a fixed edge 413, whichis fixed to the circumferential edge of the body 412; and a freecircumferential edge 413′. The skirt 414 of the closure 410 is generallyas described herein, having a plurality of spaced apart arms 416, and aplurality of fingers 418. The plurality of arms 416 is tandemlyinterspersed with the plurality of fingers 418.

The body 412 comprises a spout 40 for dispensing liquids from acontainer (not shown), once the closure 410 has been applied. The spout40 is generally a hollow cylinder having open ends, facilitating thepassage of liquids therethrough. The spout 40 is, in use, hingedlymounted to the body 412, such that the spout 40 is operable between aclosed position and an open position. The spout 40 can be mounted to thebody 412 using a mounting means 42. In the present embodiment, themounting means comprises a ball-and-socket joint, but it is understoodthat any mounting means, which permits operation of the spout 40 betweenan open position and a closed position may be utilised.

The mounting means 42 comprises a ball 44 and a socket 46, the ball 44being, in use, housed within the socket 46, such that the ball 44 iscapable of triaxial rotation. The spout 40 is integral to, and passesthrough, the ball 44.

The socket 46 comprises two channels 48, 48′, each of which are shapedand dimensioned to receive opposing ends of the spout 40. Each channel48, 48′ is generally semi-circular in transverse cross-section andhaving closed ends. A first end of each channel is integral to thesocket 46 and the opposing second end of each channel is integral to thebody 412.

In the closed position (not shown), the spout 40 is located in each ofthe respective channels, such that each of the open ends of the spout 40are adjacent, and form an interference fit with, the closed ends of eachof the respective channels 48, 48′, thereby forming a liquid-imperviousbarrier. In the open position, the spout 40 can be hingedly rotated,such that each of the open ends of the spout 40 are free from each ofthe respective channels 48, 48′, thereby allowing the passage of liquidthrough the spout 40.

It is intended that a container, such as a plastic bottle (not shown) isfirst filled aseptically, and then optionally sealed by use of a heatseal foil membrane (not shown). The sixth embodiment of the presentinvention, as illustrated in FIG. 7, is intended for use with acontainer so filled, and optionally with a foil sealing the opening. Theclosure 410 is sealed about or to the opening of the container aspreviously described, after it has been filled, and the spout 40 is usedto both pierce the foil and dispense the liquid in the container. Thebenefit of this embodiment over the current state of the art is the factthat the bottle does not require a thread form at the opening to receivea screw on cover/closure, but instead only requires a simple bead forapplication of the present invention. Secondly the present invention isdesigned to provide a permanently attached device once it is in theclosed position to the opening of the container, which will allow it tocounteract the force required to pierce the film or foil. It isenvisaged that a vertical plunger or screw device (not shown) mayalternatively be used to pierce the foil in lieu of the spoutillustrated.

FIG. 8 is a side (8 a) and plan (8 b) view of an assembly system 50 forsealing an opening defined by a mouth of a container using a closureaccording to the first aspect of the present invention. The assemblysystem 50 comprises a conveying means 52, rotating means 54, anddeforming means 60.

The conveying means 52 comprises a substantially flat belt, whichtravels in the direction shown in FIG. 8 a, although, it will beappreciated that the belt could be arranged to operate in the directionshown or in the opposing direction. The belt is shaped and dimensionedto accommodate a series of containers 56, each container having anopening defined by a mouth of the container. The belt is formed from amaterial of very low friction, such as lubricated stainless steel orpolyethylene. The containers 56 are driven through the assembly systemby a motor (not shown), which drives the belt in the direction shown.The flat belt may also be static, and the containers 56 allowed to moveindependently of the surface of the belt.

The conveying means 52 comprises a guide support 58, which guides thecontainers along the conveying means 52 and allows the conveying means52 to be adapted to move in a non-liner (or curved) direction.

The rotating means 54 comprises a pulley belt, which is oriented to havea container-engagable face, and a free face. The container engagableface of the pulley belt, in use, contacts each of the containers 56, andis oriented to travel in the direction shown in FIG. 8 b. In this way,the rotating means 54 applies a directional force to the side of eachcontainer 56, which is opposite to the frictional force applied to theside of the container 56 by the guide support 58, which together causeseach container 56 to independently rotate about its longitudinal axis.

Each container 56 enters the assembly system 50 in series, and having aclosure applied to the opening defined by the mouth of the container.

The deforming means 60 comprises a series of sonotrodes. The number ofsonotrodes is dependent on the size of the assembly system 50, and canbe chosen by one skilled in the art. Without being bound by theory, itis thought that the greater number of sonotrodes in series the longerthe effective energy source and the faster the sealing process. Eachsonotrode is generally planar in shape having a terminal edge 64, whichextends from the sonotrode and is positioned to contact the closureapplied to the opening defined by the mouth of each container 56.

Referring also to FIG. 8 c, in use, each container 56 is rolled alongthe guide support 58, and rotates about its longitudinal axis. The partof the closure to be deformed is brought into contact with the terminaledge of each sonotrode. The rotation of the container causes the closureto be simultaneously rolled along the terminal edge of the sonotrode.Optionally, pressure is applied to the opposing side of the closure by apressure belt 62, which can be travelling in the same or oppositedirection of the rotating means 54. The pressure belt 62 mayalternatively be static. Each or any of the sonotrodes may be adapted tomove a short distance towards each closure for the sealing to takeplace, while each or any sonotrode may be adapted to move away from eachclosure once the sealing is completed and to lower the pressure appliedto the closure, and permit the assembly system 50 to be vacated ofcontainers 56 as quickly as possible, and subsequently vacated with thenext batch of containers 56 to be sealed.

If the energy source is that of an electromagnetic induction coil thenit is envisaged that the coil will be bedded in a suitable resin typematerial.

If electromagnetic induction energy or thermal energy was to be utilisedthen a single linear source could be sized to suit the throughput of themachine.

FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a deforming means 560for sealing an opening defined by a mouth of a container using a closureaccording to the present invention. The deforming means 560 comprises asonotrode, which is generally cylindrical in shape having an open end66. The open end 66 of the sonotrode is shaped and dimensioned toreceive an opening defined by a mouth of a container, to which a closureaccording to the present invention has been applied. The sonotrodeapplies energy in the form of ultrasonic vibration simultaneously to theclosure to cause deformation.

1. A closure for sealing an opening defined by a mouth of a container,the closure comprising: (a) a body adapted to overlie the mouth; (b) adiscontinuous skirt extending from the body, wherein the skirt isdeformable between an open position and a closed position; and (c) aplurality of fingers, wherein each finger has, in use, acontainer-engagable face and an exterior face; wherein some or all ofthe plurality of fingers are oriented such that the exterior face ofsome or all of the fingers is located, in use, adjacent an inner surfaceof the mouth of the container.
 2. A closure according to claim 1,wherein the skirt comprises a plurality of arms, extending from thebody.
 3. A closure according to claim 2, wherein a point ofdiscontinuity is defined between adjacent arms.
 4. A closure accordingto claim 2, wherein each arm has, in use, a container-engagable face andan exterior face.
 5. A closure according to claim 2, wherein, in theopen position, the plurality of arms extends substantially radially fromthe body.
 6. A closure according to claim 4, wherein, in the closedposition, some or all of the plurality of arms are oriented such thatthe container-engagable face of some or all of the arms is located, inuse the mouth of the container.
 7. A closure according to claim 2,wherein each arm is hingedly mounted to the body.
 8. A closure accordingto claim 2, wherein at least one arm further comprises a retainingelement.
 9. A closure according to claim 8, wherein, in use, theretaining element is oriented toward the mouth of the container.
 10. Aclosure according to claim 2, wherein at least some of the arms areadapted to be secured to each adjacent arm.
 11. A closure according toclaim 2, wherein the closure further comprises means for securing eacharm to an adjacent arm.
 12. (canceled)
 13. A closure according to claim11, wherein the securing means comprises an annular member, adapted toat least partially circumscribe some or all of the arms, in the closedposition.
 14. A closure according to claim 2, wherein, in the closedposition, at least part of each arm can form at least a partialconnection with the at least part of an adjacent arm. 15.-17. (canceled)18. A closure according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of fingers isinterspersed with the plurality of arms. 19.-20. (canceled)
 21. Aclosure according to claim 1, wherein at least one finger furthercomprises a retaining element.
 22. A closure according to claim 21,wherein, in use, the retaining element is oriented toward the mouth ofthe container.
 23. A closure according to claim 2, wherein at least partof the exterior face of each finger is adapted to receive at least partof the container-engagable face of an adjacent arm, in the closedposition.
 24. (canceled)
 25. A closure according to claim 1 comprisingan inner section and an outer section, wherein the outer sectioncomprises a first body and a discontinuous skirt; and the inner sectioncomprises a second body and a plurality of fingers.
 26. A closureaccording to claim 25, wherein the outer section is adapted to receivethe inner section.
 27. A closure according to claim 1, wherein theclosure is formed from a deformable material. 28.-31. (canceled)
 32. Amethod of sealing an opening defined by a mouth of a container using aclosure according to claim 1; the method comprising the steps of:applying the closure to the mouth of the container, and deforming thediscontinuous skirt from the open position to the closed position.
 33. Amethod according to claim 32, wherein the deforming step comprisesincreasing the internal energy of at least part of the closure. 34.-38.(canceled)
 39. An assembly system for sealing an opening defined by amouth of a container using a closure according to claim 1; the assemblysystem comprising means for applying a closure to the mouth of thecontainer, and means for deforming the discontinuous skirt from the openposition to the closed position.
 40. A closure for sealing an openingdefined by a mouth of a container, the closure comprising: a body; and askirt comprising a plurality of spaced apart arms extending from thebody; wherein at least part of the skirt, together with the body, formsa stopper; wherein the stopper is shaped and dimensioned such that thecontainer-engagable face of the closure can, in use, form aninterference fit with the inner surface of the mouth of the container.41. A closure according to claim 40, wherein the closure furthercomprises a plurality of fingers; wherein each finger, together with thebody, forms the stopper.